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Even on static-ridden AM signals, Casey Kasem had a clear message to Baby Boomers

In this Oct. 27, 2003 Associated Press file photo, Casey Kasem poses for photographers after receiving the Radio Icon award during The 2003 Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In my teen years, I might have listened to Casey Kasem more than my own parents. For hours in my parents’ cars, I fought through the AM radio static to listen to Kasem’s weekly four-hour American Top 40 countdown.

Kasem died Sunday morning in a hospital in Gig Harbor, Wash. He was 82.

To a generation of Baby Boomers, Kasem’s voice was perhaps the most familiar on radio. In the pre-FM days, and in my case, listening to Kasem count down the Billboard magazine top 40 was a thrill.

Like all music geeks in that era, you could compare his countdown to the 8 x 11 listings that were distributed at the local TG&Y where I bought my 45s.

Wolfman Jack had his fans, but Kasem brought a calming demeanor to his countdown, which I liked. I loved Kasem’s readings of listeners’ song dedications because it had kind of a Paul Harvey vibe.

I’d listened to Kasem for a while before I realized he also was the voice of Shaggy on Scooby-Doo cartoons. (Can you imagine our confusion upon realizing the identity of that voice coming out of that stoner cartoon character’s mouth?). The man was versatile.

As I grew older, I lost track of Kasem. Maybe it was because the AM radio signals turned to FM and I started hearing him clearer. It wasn’t the same experience.

But one thing stuck with me — his signature signoff: “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”

No matter the radio signal, that always came in loud and clear. R.I.P., Casey.

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